That code you posted is written in C. Google some tutorials on it. It's actually quite a simple yet powerful language, once you get around all of the formatting. That error that you got was because that file 16F84A.h is called a "header file" It contains functions and things that the program needs to function normally. I'm not sure exactly, but that person might have made their own header file, or included one that you don't have on your computer. Hence the error.

See according to the "theory" you write a program in a "high level" language. I.E. one that uses english and is easy for people to write. Then the "compiler" acts as a translator. It takes the program and translates it to a language that the PIC 16f84A can understand (I.E. the hex file). Then you simply give the PIC 16f84A the hex file so that it can read it and do whatever the program says. Easy enough right? Yes, writing the program itself is sometimes the hardest task, especially with microcontrollers, but once you get used to programming, you should be good.

Does the computer program give you any errors when it tries to program the pic? It's more likely you have something wired wrong along the way, or your computer isn't recognizing the programmer correctly.

Does this mean the programmer is recognized by the computer?Is the PIC detected?What error are you getting.

I believe that programmer is for ICSP. Do you have any components connected the your PIC's ICSP pins? What do you have connected to the Vdd and Vpp pins? The programmer needs the bring up the voltage on Vdd & Vpp within a specific time for the PIC to go into programming mode. If there are caps on these pins the programming can fail.

Can you post a schematic of how the PIC is wired and the programmer connections.

Corrado , it gives me an error with "problem accessing the COM port" or "make sure that the programmer suits the board" (smth like tht) .

And waltr, i already checked that thread on microchip's forum but it didnt help.and the PC does recognise it (when i first connected the programmer,a driver was "installed" automatically....) then when i go check the ports,it shows "USB serial convertor"..........

Ill take close pics of the programmer tomorrow and post them here if its possible.

The latest firmware/software is DIYpack25EP. You can download it from here.

Unzip to a folder on your PC. You will need another PIC programmer to re-program your 16F628A chip with the firmware for your programmer (epk149bf.hex). Once done you can then run the Microbrn software.

Its description is as follows :[Snip]THe software provided is PICmicro Programmer v141204 (with DIY K150,K170,K182,K149A etc.)I can;t get to program it.......

Do you think i can use another "software"(programmer) but still use the same device im using ?

It's definitely not a DIY (Kits 'R' Us) programmer, but it sounds like one of the numerous clones of one of the Kits 'R' Us programmers.

Go to Kits 'R' Us and work your way to their forum to see if you can get help. I have seen them help somebody with a clone, even if they have nothing to do with it and actually got their design stolen. Hats of to them!

Maintain utmost courtesy and politeness if you post on their board.This is a Chinese business and while it counts everywhere when you need somebodys help, it does so double when it's a Chinese company - it's all about keeping a face, Even when the Triads blackmail a business manager, they are very polite and smiling (at least initially and as long as you play ball).

You might also just compare pictures of their programmers here or find them by their kit numbers anywhere on the net. That link will also lead you to some firmware updates, but whether it's wise to use them or not, I cannot say.

If you post some photos, shot from different angles (including readable letters/numbering it may hold), of your programmer, I'll see if I can help you further.

Btw. K149(A) as the text mentions is a very old revision of this programmer which is unfortunately not being developed anymore - I think the last revision is "D"

Logged

Regards,Søren

A rather fast and fairly heavy robot with quite large wheels needs what? A lot of power?Please remember...Engineering is based on numbers - not adjectives

... this is not really on topic, but the thing to remember when programmming is that your not gonna normally get a succesful buildyour first time, but to be pacient. When I started programming i thought it was impossible lol... but it just takes time.. Though i havent done any device programming yet

Unfortunately I don't know how to help you with this programmer. Can you get tech support from where you bought it?

One option is to return it and get a refund of your money then buy a PICKit2 from Microchip. This is only $35 (plus shipping) and works very well under MPLAB as a programmer and debugger. It also has a stand alone utility to program and read PICs and also works as a 3 input logic analyzer or a UART interface.I have been using a PICKit2 for a while and it does work.

Ive finally got a "Programming complete"! .............All i had to do was to switch to windows xp and find a suitable driver.............

I have read the "Step-by-Step Robot Tutorial under $50" , but to my luck , it's done using an AVR chip(which i can't seem to find anywhere in the market here).....................So the question is , may i use a PIC16f84A ?(Or would i need an A/D option?) ....................and does anyone have a schematic for such a photovore with its assembly code so i could learn them or is it better that i try making them myself ?............